Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Event Details

Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Big Questions Seattle: Is free speech possible?

Freedom of speech is a cornerstone principle of the United States Constitution. From college campuses to town squares, we have long regarded public spaces as places where speech is open and free. But we’ve seen recent examples of protests that are surveilled, kettled, and shut down. Much expression now happens online, where private companies such as Facebook and Twitter exercise significant control. And many accuse higher education institutions of being among the least tolerant when speech challenges so-called "politically correct" viewpoints. Is our society capable of supporting the free exchange of ideas? What can be done to promote robust, constructive dialogue in America?

Join Dr. Patrick Schmidt, Macalester professor of political science and co-director of the legal studies program and Sarah Johnson ’97, attorney focusing on municipal and education law, in conversation with President Suzanne M. Rivera.  

Thursday, April 21, 2022
First & Bell
6:30 - 7:00 PM Reception 
7:00 - 8:00 PM Presentation 
8:00 - 8:30 PM Dessert Reception 
 

COVID-19 Precautions:
At these events, we strongly encourage attendees to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations; however, they will not be required. We ask that guests who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations have a negative antigen test within 24 hours of attending a campus event. Regardless of vaccination status, anyone with symptoms should not attend.


Big Questions are events with Macalester President Rivera, faculty, staff, and alumni that celebrate the liberal arts with thought-provoking conversations about global issues, plus opportunities to connect with your fellow alumni, parents, and friends. See all Big Questions events
https://www.macalester.edu/big-questions/.

There are many ways to stay connected to the Macalester community. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and consider making a gift to the Macalester Fund. A Macalester education equips students with multifaceted 21st-century skills to tackle complex problems at home and abroad. Making a gift to the Macalester Fund


Contact: [email protected]

Audience: Alumni, Faculty, Parents and Families, Staff, Students

Admission: FREE

Sponsors: Advancement, Alumni Engagement, President, Special Events

Listed under: Alumni Events, Front Page Events